Month: January 2019

Bill will enable Texas taxpayers to control local tax rates and tax increases

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Representative Dustin Burrows joined House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Governor Greg Abbott to introduce House Bill 2, which will slow the annual increase in property taxes, empower Texans with the automatic right to vote “no” on excessive tax increases and provide taxpayers the transparency to understand which elected officials or government entities raised their taxes. An identical (companion) bill, SB2 was filed in the Senate.

“Both Speaker Bonnen and the Governor recognize Texans are fed up with property tax hikes and understand the helplessness Texans feel in this regard,” said Rep. Dustin Burrows. “The House is committed to working together with the Senate and Governor to steer HB2 through the legislative process in an inclusive manner, a manner that allows all members of the legislature to represent their constituents in the bill’s structure.”

Rep. Burrows continued, “Control and transparency – those are the key focuses of this bill – this legislation will enable taxpayers across HD83 a more active role at the local level, where appraisals and tax rates are set. This gives taxpayers the transparency and the tools they need to do that.”

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Bonnen named State Representative Dustin Burrows to Chair the House Committee on Ways and Means. This committee assignment is for the 86th Texas Legislative Session and the interim.

“This is going to be a critical session to address tax reform,” said Rep. Dustin Burrows. “Taxpayers are looking for solutions this legislative session and I share Speaker Bonnen’s optimism that we are going to be successful moving forward.”

Rep. Burrows continued, “I am looking forward to fighting for all Texans this legislative session. I believe this committee will give taxpayers a strong voice as we look to keep Texas the best state in the nation to raise a family. I want to thank Speaker Bonnen for trusting me with this important committee assignment.”

Elected leadership positions and appointed committee assignments in the Texas Legislature are more than just important responsibilities. They also reflect a certain level of trust and respect from the ones making these decisions toward the person on the receiving end of the decision. It is affirmation of the most enjoyable kind, coming directly from one’s colleagues.

It is along those lines that South Plains residents should be gratified by and proud for State Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who was named chair of the executive committee for the House Republican Caucus in advance of Tuesday’s opening day of the 86th Legislative Session. Whether one is a political insider or simply content to enjoy the view from afar, rest assured this is an important deal, and it’s a responsibility not given lightly. Burrows secured his third term in the House last November, and it’s fair to say that he has not only raised his profile during the past few sessions, but along the way he has become part of the inner circle of recently elected House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton. It was Burrows who rose and gave a nominating speech on behalf of Bonnen earlier this week, and Burrows has gotten credit, along with others from the area’s delegation, for making sure Bonnen understands the priorities of West Texas.

According to a news release, the executive committee is charged with developing long-range strategies of the Republican Party, overseeing policy initiatives and communicating in the caucus. Burrows’ leadership will be critical in all three of those areas as lawmakers address a long list of legislative priorities between now and the scheduled end of the session in May.

“I am honored to be elected by my Republican colleagues of the Texas House to serve as Caucus Chair and look forward to working with each of our members to unify our caucus under our shared values and goals,” Burrows said in a news release.

Burrows went on to say the caucus will work to provide members with resources needed to inform and pass “sound, conservative legislation” and to be successful in 2020 re-election efforts. He emphasized the House Republican Caucus “works to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility and personal liberty.”

It is worth pointing out the other three members of the executive committee represent much larger communities (Fort Worth and Houston), which says something about Burrows’ ability to navigate the contours of party politics at the state level. Among the other important responsibilities of the caucus is, according to the release, to provide research, education, policy development and other resources to members.

In his nomination speech for Bonnen, Burrows closed with this: “Texas needs the House to lead this Session. We need a leader with the strength and tenacity to let that happen. It is for these reasons, and many more, that I nominate, my good friend, Dennis Bonnen, to be the next Speaker of the House. A Speaker for the entire house.”

We salute Burrows (and our entire West Texas delegation) for a willingness to serve, and we look forward to seeing their respective spheres of influence continue to expand during the ongoing session and into the future. The people of Texas are counting on their elected leaders to chart a bold and courageous course for the future for the state … the entire state.

Members: As we begin the 86th Legislative Session, let us reflect on the fact that Texans from all corners of the State, and all walks of life, have entrusted each of us: to craft policy that will improve the lives of all Texans; to help our Districts be heard and accomplish their agenda; and, to do all of this in a very short 140 days.

Members: This Session, Texans expect, and should expect us to: pass meaningful school finance reform; and, lessen the huge burden of property taxes for homeowners.

On this, the first day of the 86th Session, the question we have to ask is: will we do it?

I predict, at the end of 140 days, the answer is: yes. We are the Texas house. The greatest legislative body in the country.

However, in order to be successful, we will need a Speaker who will let the body work and realize its fullest potential; who will let Members represent their District; and, who will stand up what we accomplish.

That is why I rise to today to nominate a Speaker that the Texas House deserves – Dennis Bonnen.

Dennis was drafted into this race not just because of his list of qualifications (which are plentiful), but because of his character and vision for the House.

Dennis is someone who: respects the Members by telling each of us truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth… regardless of our capacity to accept it.

Dennis is willing to jump into the arena and fight to find consensus… He doesn’t wait on the sidelines to see which way the political winds blew that day.

Time and time again, we have seen Dennis give voice to what is right, without regard for how powerful the other side might be.

Most importantly, he deeply respects this Chamber and believes that every Member must be allowed to fully represent their District.

Let me close with this: Texas needs the House to lead this Session. We need a leader with the strength and tenacity to let that happen. It is for these reasons, and many more, that I nominate, my good friend: Dennis Bonnen to be the next Speaker of the House. A Speaker for the entire house.

Today, the Texas House Republican Caucus voted to elect the Executive Committee of the House Republican Caucus for the 86th Legislative Session. Representative Dustin Burrows will serve as Chair, Representative Stephanie Klick as Vice-Chair, Representative Craig Goldman as Secretary and Representative Dan Huberty as Treasurer.

The Executive Committee develops long-range strategies to ensure the success of Republican Members of the House, oversees policy and communication for the Caucus, and works to accomplish the purpose for which the Caucus exists.

“I am honored to be elected by my Republican colleagues of the Texas House to serve as Caucus Chair and look forward to working with each of our members to unify our Caucus under our shared values and goals,” said Chair Dustin Burrows. “Over the course of the 86th Legislative Session, we will continue to provide our members with the resources they need to pass sound conservative legislation and to be successfully re-elected in 2020.”

The Caucus Executive Committee will make critical improvements in many areas, including the Caucus policy committee, messaging and communication, fundraising, and the addition of many new Member resources.

The Texas House Republican Caucus is comprised of all Republican Members serving in the Texas House of Representatives. The purpose of the Caucus is to provide research, education, policy development and other support to the Caucus Members and their staff.

The Texas House Republican Caucus works to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility and personal liberty to continue cultivating economic growth for all Texans.